Akin Dada
President Bola Tinubu has directed Akwa Ibom state governor, Pastor Umo Eno and other states governors as a matter of urgency to ensure all salary arrears to workers, gratuities to retired workers and pensioners are cleared immediately as a way to put money into the hands of the people since states are now getting more monthly FAAC revenue.
He gave the directive in Abuja at a meeting he summoned.
Additionally, the President, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the FCT Minister, agreed to work collectively towards finding solutions to the challenges of food security and rising insecurity.
President Tinubu Directs Pastor Umo Eno
In response to the escalating rates of insecurity affecting agriculture and food production, President Tinubu outlined three essential measures.
Firstly, he proposed the recruitment of more police personnel to bolster security forces. Secondly, he expressed the intention to collaborate with state governments and the National Assembly to establish state police forces effectively.
Lastly, he urged governors to equip and fortify their Forest Rangers to ensure the safety of forests from criminal activities.
A detailed discussion on the modalities for establishing state police forces and addressing security concerns is set to take place at the National Economic Council.
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Regarding the escalating cost of food, President Tinubu underscored the imperative need for the federal and state governments to enhance local food production through collaboration.
He discouraged food importation and advocated for empowering local food producers to meet the demand within the country.
President Tinubu also highlighted the importance of addressing food hoarding and profiteering by commodities merchants, urging the Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser, and the Department of State Services to monitor and curb such practices nationwide. Furthermore, the President directed governors to prioritize livestock development, especially in the production of poultry and fishing products.
He stressed the necessity of creating economic opportunities for youths to foster productive engagement within their respective states. Overall, the meeting convened by President Tinubu and the subsequent directives issued to the governors underscore a collaborative effort towards addressing pressing economic and security challenges facing the nation.
